Method of and apparatus for lifting fluid



Jan. 4, 1938. A. BoYNToN METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR LIFTING FLUID Filed AprilV 21, 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet A6/31N VEN TOR M Ow@ A TTORNEYS ALEXANDER Bamm fulfill Jan. 4, 1938. A. BoYNToN 2,104,008

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FCR LIFTING FLUID Filed April 21, 1934 2 Sheets-'Sheet 2 Patented Jan. 4, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Alexander Boynton, San Antonio, Tex.

Application April Z1,

14 Claims.

My invention relatesto a method and means of `lifting liquids from wells and propelling liquids through pipe lines by the propulsive force of compressed air or gas expanding under or behind a slug of liquid admitted Ainto the eduction tube of a well or into a pipe line. It is a modiiication of the invention disclosed in my Patent No. 2,642,583, issued June 2, 1936.

' The kslug of liquid is admitted into the eduction tube of a well or into a pipe line by means of a valve that controls the admission of liquid thereto (hereinafter referred to as the liquid intake valve). This is done after one of the two valves that control the admission of compressed air or gas thereto (hereinafter referred to as the air or gas valves) moves from its seat, referred to as the first seat, and the other air or gas valve closes upon its seat, referred to as the second seat. One of the air or gas valves and the liquid intake valve are urged to the only position in which they are both closed by a spring whichvmay work in conjunction with a latching means tending to hold one of the air or gas valves and the liquid intake valve closed in the 1 first position and the other of the air or gas valves closed while the liquid intake valve is open in the second position.

I `aim to utilize thefforce of the air or gas to hold one of the air or gas valves seated upon thel second seat while the slug of yliquid to be expelled is entering the eduction tube or pipe line through the liquid intakevalve. The weight or back pressure of the slug of liquid admitted into the eduction tube or pipe line is utilized to unseat `one of the air or gas valves after it has closed upon the second seat. This weight or pressure also acts to hold both of the air or gas valvcsopen intermediate their two seats, and while in that position the liquid intake valve cuts cn' the admission of more liquid until the slug has been expelled. f

After the expulsion of the liquid slug, one of the air or gas valves again assumes the closed position upon the second seat with the liquid intake valve open. This cycle is automatically repeated during the period of operation.

An important object of this invention is to.

provide means ,whereby slugs of different weights oi' lengths maybe expelled from wells by means of simply varying the pressure of the air or gas.-

By increasing the` air or gas pressure the length or weight y,of the slug'is increased and vice versa; thereby overcoming the serious dii'liculty of hav- .ing lto remove the device to change the adjustment sofasl to cause it to handle different loads,

1934, serial No. '121,669

as must be done in many other types of flowing devices for wells.

These objects are attained by mechanisms illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a vertical section of a well equipped with this device using pressure tubing.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of valve 25 in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3`is a horizontal section on the line 3-3 Of Fig; '2.

Fig. 4 is a horizontal section on the line 4-4 of Fig. 13.Y

Fig. 5 is a vertical section of the vdevice installed within the bracketed space a in Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a horizontal section on the line 6-6 of Fig. 5.

Fig. '7 is a horizontal section on of Fig.. 5.

Fig. 8 is a horizontal section on the line 8-8 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 9 is a horizontal section on the line 9-9 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 10 is a horizontal section on the line IIl-I 0 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 11 is a horizontal section on the line I I-I IA of Fig. 5.

the line 1-1 cf Fig. 5.

Fig. 13 is a partial vertical section of the device shown in Fig. 5 showing the liquid intake valve open, this valvebeing shown closed in Fig. 5.

Fig. 14 is a vertical section of a modied form of the invention shown in Fig. 5 adapted to be 'installed within the bracketed space a, in Fig. 1.

Fig. 15 is a partial vertical section of another modified form of the invention shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. 16 is an enlarged vertical section of the mechanism shown in the upper portion ofA Fig. 5.

My rst embodiment of the invention is disclosed in Figs. 1 to 13, inclusive, and Fig. 16. It includes the use of a well casing 2, having thereon a casing-head I of a special construction. Said casing-head has two lateral ports 9 and I0, the port 9 being closed by a bull plug, the port l0 having connection with a fluid conductingA pipe H6. The upper end of the casing-head is threaded externally to receive a cap 8 as will be later described.

Within the casing and extending downwardly through the casing-head is a pressure tube 3, said tube being made up of sections connected to- .gether by couplings in the usual manner. Toward the lower end of the said pressure tube the same is reduced in diameter and engaged within a seat coupling 68 which has its lower end Fig. 12 is a horizontal section on the line |2-i2 l tapered somewhat to provide a seat for the eduction tube, to be later described. Below the coupling 68 is a nipple 22 which serves to house a check valve, said nipple being connected at its lower end by means of a coupling member to the swedge nipple I8 acting to support the strainer or perforated pipe I9, the lower end of saidpipe being closed by a cap 2|.

The upper end of the pressure tube has a lateral outlet I1 connected with the T I3. Above the outlet I1 I have provided an interior seat for the lead ring I I adapted to form a seal below the coupling I2 upon the flow tubing 4. A cap I5 is vadapted to be engaged over the upper end of the pressure tube and to fit closely about the flow tubing and to compress a packing ring I4 about the flow tubing, forming a seal therewith.

The flow tubing is extended downwardly within the pressure tube, said pressure tube being supported in the well by engagement of a. coupling thereon upon the plate 6 fitted around said pressure tube within the casing-head. Said plate is welded, or otherwise secured, in rigid relationship, upon the pressure tube 3 and forms a seal within the casing-head by engagement of the lateral seal ring 1 between said plate and the casing-head. There is a further lateral ring 6a on the upper surface of the plate, to be engaged by the inwardly extending ange 8a upon the' cap member 8 on the casing-head. Thus it will be seen that the tightening of the cap 8 upon the casing-head will force the plate 6 into sealing engagement with the head so as to provide against leakage around the pressure tube. g

The flow tube 4 is extended downwardly within the pressure tube and spaced therefrom, and is connected at its lower en'd to a coupling of special construction which I call the combination vmember 30. This member acts as a coupling between the tube and outer barrel or casing I6, serving to house my automatic valve, as will be later described;

At the upper end of said casing is connected a valve housing 21 which encloses a check valve member 34. Below the valve housing'21 the tube forms a seal within the seat 68a within the seat coupling 68.

The lead seal ring 21a upon the carrier nipple 21 is preferably poured in place, and is thereby fixed upon the seat nipple. 'Ihe seal is formed by the weight' of the flow tubing, plus whatever additional force may be required, and which may be imparted by means of the downward clamping eect of the cap member I5 upon the flow tubing. When such downward thrust is necessary the flow tubing is cut a few inches longer than would otherwise be necessary in order that it will transmit the thrust as the gland cap I5 is screwed down.

In these installations, the pressure tubing may be allowed to hang from the casing-head, or the weight of the pressure tubing may be supported in whole or in part upon the bottom of the well by allowing the extensions I3 and I9 to support the load. It will be obvious that if the pressure tube is supported in the casing-head, the parts I8and I9 may be eliminated.

'It will be noted that the lower extension of the flow tube is extended beyond the seat member B8 when in position, and is formed at the lower end with a series of openings 21h. Below the said openings the lower end forms a valve seat to engage with the valve member 25.v It is housed within the nipple 22, and is supported by the engagement of a radial flange D thereon upon a coiled spring 23. Said spring in turn is supported upon a ring-shaped plate 24 connected within the coupling 20. The Valve 25 is shown in Figs. 2 and 3. Its lower end is provided with radial wings 25a which allow the passage of fluid upwardly therethrough. The normal engagement of the valve 25 uponA the seat 68h serves to close the lower end of the pressure tube while going into the well. Afterwards, when the flow tube is inserted downwardly into position it will engage the check valve 25 and move it away from the seat 68h, thus allowing the entrance of liquid to the lower end of the tube.

Referring now to the automatic valve controlling the flow of air or gas to the eduction tube, it will be noted that air or gas under pressure may be introduced into the space between the pressure tube and the ow tube through the pipe I1 at the upper end thereof. The automatic valve which controls the passage of this pressure fluid to the eduction tube is shown best in Figs. 5 and 16.

The combination coupling has two lateral inlet ports 30h leading to a downward passage 30d within a tubular extension 30a. which projects downwardly within a tubular valve spacer 40. At the lower end of the extension 30a is a valve 28, the upper end of which is beveled to engage with a seat member 40a at the upper end of the spacer 40 and the lower end of which is-beveled to engage within a seat 32a in the spacer support 32.

'I'he interior of the combination coupling 30 and the extension 30a provides a passage for a stationary shaft 5I. This shaft is anchored at its upper end 5Ia within the combination coupling.

At its upper end it is threaded beyond the coupling to receive a locking nut or ring 55. It is to be noted that the upper end of the rod or shaft 5I is provided with a diametric slot to receive a screw-driver whereby its vertical position may be adjusted as will be later noted.

Referring particularly to Fig. 16, it will be seen that this rod or shaft 5I extends entirely through the connection member 32 which supports the spacer 40 and downwardly through the housing 33, and has at its lower end a latching member which will now be described.

. The latching device includes a lock or nut 49 screwed upon the lower end of the shaft and held in adjusted position by lock nut 50.

These balls are held resiliently down by the ball roof 48. This comprises a sleeve, the lower end of which is flared and formed with a groove with the inner portion of the groove beveled so as to crowd the balls outwardly in the groove and between the two supporting members 48 and 49. The ball roof is held resiliently down by a spring 39 fitting within a chamber 33a within the spring housing 33. As will be seen, the upper end of the sleeve 48 has radial wings thereon, the upper ends of which are notched to receive the spring 39.

" To cooperate with this .row of spring pressed balls I- provide a latching sleeve 31 which is fixed within the inner wall of the housing 33. 'I'he upper and lower ends of the sleeve are rounded or beveled respectively, so that the balls may roll outwardly upon the ends of the sleeve (when sufficient force is exerted upon the casing 33) in its extreme'upp'er and lower positions.

The lower end of the casing 33 is closed by a connecting plug 46 which has a threaded extension on the lower end thereof to connect with the liquid intake valve member 4I, the

lower end of which is extended through anv opening in the valve sleeve member 41.-4

Liquid nding entrance past the liquid intake valve may flow upwardly around the valve 5 member 40 and through passages 30e in a combination coupling member 30 into the flow tube 4. The operation of this automatic valve will now be noted.

The valve 32a in its upper position seats upon the bottom seat of the double valve seat mem-f ber 28, at which time the liquid intake `valve member 4l is in the closed position as shownA in Figs. 5 and 16, and the valve Mia in its-lower position seats upon the top seat of the double valve seat member 28, at which time the liquid intake valve is open as shown in Fig. 13. When compressed air or gas is placed in the pressure tubing through the intake connection l1 it passes downward through the annular space between l the pressure tubing 3 and the flow tubing 4 and enters the device through the ports 30h and continues downward through the passage 3lld and under the lower extension 28a of the double valve seat member 28. When'the force of air or gas from the pressure tubing is sucient to overcome the latching effect of the latch balls 35 they engage under the curved' surface 31a of the latching sleeve 31. The latch balls are'forced inwardly and roll freely upon the polished inside of the latching sleeve 31, thus allowing the valve 40a to seat in its lower position responsive to the air or gas pressure. The latching means should be adjusted to hold the valves in uppcrposition, as shown in Figs. 5 and 16, with vsuilicient force to slam the valve 40a upon the upper seat of the member 28 when the latch releases.

The air or gas valves 32a and 40a. thus move from one closed position to another closed position while the liquid intake valve member 4l moves from closed to open position. Valve 40a Y being now seated, air or gas is cut oi from entering the flow tubing while well liquid enters the flow tubing through ports 41a and 4Ib via the b-ore Mc connecting these ports. 'Ihe well liquid then rises in the ow tubing through passages 3Go in combination member 30 until the back pressure of the liquid exerted under connection plug 46 is great enough to unseat valve 40a. When valve 40a, is thus unseated, it and valve 32a. will take a position intermediate their re- 'spective seats. This is the open or intaking position of the air valves. This open position of the air or gasVa-lves continues until the slug is expelled from the flow tubing because the back pressure that opened the valve from its second seat persists while the slug remains in the flow tubing. Neither can the air nor gas valves seat upon their first seat before the slug is expelled, because the air or gas pressure is always greater than the back pressure from the slug of oil, due to the fact that the slug is always lighter than the force that would balance the air or gas pressure. This difference between the slug and back pressure is determined by the force of the spring 39 and the latching force employed. In the open position of the air or gas valves, air or gas from the pressure tubing passes by the double valve seat member 28 through the tubular valve spacer 40 connecting valves 32a and 40a. A very slight upward movement of valve 40a closes the liquid intake port Illa by raising it into Athe opening through valve sleeve member 41 in which opening it has a working fit.

This movement-always follows under ordinary before any more liquid can enter the flow tubing.

As soon, however, as a sufficient portionv of' the slug is expelled the back pressure under the conncction plug 46 becomes lightened and the Valve lila again seats. Well liquid again enters through port dla which is now again lowered to intaking position as shown in Fig. 13, and the cycle of admitting a vslug of liquid into the flow tubing and expelling it with a piston or air or gas is automatically repeated." Manifestly the well liquid must rise high enough to force the slug into the flow tubing. The well liquid level is arbitrarily shown at F-F in Fig. 1.

Lower extension 28a of double valve seat member 28 has a close working t within the upper end of connection 32. This extension is for the purpose of minimizing leakage between 32a and is seat if either the valve or the seat should wear. This extension serves the further purpose of minimizing leakage of air or gas by the Valve 32a, if, due to wear' or improper adjustment, the valve should open slightly before the latch releases. Similar constructions in Figs. 14 and 15 serve the sane purpose.

If, in some cases, it should be found desirable to use power pressure (compressed air or gas) of a value so slightly in excess of the load due to the weight of the slug to be lifted that the increase of back pressure is so slight when valve 40a opens (due to the near equality of power and load) that port Ma of the liquid intake valve will not close, then, in such cases, latching sleeves 31 should be made short enough to allow the latch balls to roll slightly over the curved surface 31h at the upper end thereof when valve 40a is seated. Such provision will allow that the expansive force of spring 39 and the engagement of latch balls over the top of sleeve 31 can be so adjusted with relation to each other that there will be enough force stored in the latching means to move port 41a of the liquid intake valve up to the closed position whenever air or gas valve 40a opens. 'In this connection it should be observed that the latching means moves quickly whenever it starts, the delayed action being translated into quick action. All the movement that would have taken place were it not for the latch takes place instantly when the latch releases. Y

An important feature of this invention resides in the further fact that the inner wall of the air orgas valve chamber 40h in Figs. 5, 14, and 16, and h in Fig. 15 may be slightly tapered (not enough to show in the drawings), the enlarging taper being from the top downward in Figs. 5 and 16 and from the bottom upward in Figs. 14 and 15. This taper provides for diminishing resistance from the air or gas to the backward movement of the air or gas valve when it is unseated by the back pressure of liquid in the flow tubing, thereby inducing sufficient movement' to close the liquid intake valve independent of the latch. Both taper and latch being available for this purpose, one may be used in place of the other, or they can be used together.

An important feature of this inventionis that the latching device can be made to latch in either direction; that is to hold the valves releasably in their first position` (both valves closed) with anyv desired force, or to hold the valves releasably in the second position (one of the air or gas valves closed and the liquid intake valve open) with any desired force less than that which the expansive force of the spring will overcome. The latch, by releasably holding the valves closed in the first position while the pressure in the pressure tubing builds up to a value suicient to move the air or gas valves quickly from their rst to their second position as the latch releases, prevents the waste of air or gas that would otherwise result from the slow movement of the valves from their rst to their second position. This saving of air or gas is effective, however, only during the starting operation. If a Well is to be flowed at frequent intervals the saving will, of course, be more than if the well is to be flowed continuously or during long intervals. The latch, by releasably holding the valves in the second position, provides that the upward movement of the liquid intake valve will be ample to close it instantly when the air or gasvalves open as the latch releases.

The device will automatically expel slugs of liquid from the .how tubing whether a latching means is used or not. and the latch, if used, may be employed to hold the air or gas valves releasably upon either or both seats as stated.

Whether the latch should be used or not depends upon the frequency of the starting operation in flowing the well and upon the accuracy with which spring 39 is made and adjusted in position. A long spring under considerable compression will possess the required force and at the same time be sufficiently yieldable to permit the liquid intake valve to close when the air or gas valve opens from its second seat, but the use of the latch provides this movement without the necessity of manufacturing the spring to the degree of accuracy that would be required without the latch.

Spring chamber 33a, within spring housing 3.3, is lled with lubricating liquid. Circulationof this liquid through the latching assembly must, therefore, be provided in order that the valve movement may be snappy, and not become impinged upon the lubricating liquid. Longitudinal slots 31C, Fig. 8, are, therefore, spaced around latching sleeve 31. Longitudinally inclined slots 48a, between arms 48d, in Fig. 7, are also spaced around ball roof 48 for the same purpose.

The shaft 5| has a free working ilt in vertical bore through the member 32, the clearance in the working fit being the only communication between the oil filled chamber 33a and outside thereof. This clearance between these members is only enough to permit breathing as the valves move in either direction. Long lasting lubrication is thus provided for the spring and the latch balls.

Ring 51 of the liquid intake valve assembly, as shown in Figs. 5 and 16, maybe of oil proofed rubber, rawhide, leather, or any other suitable material, and is held expanded against the Wall of opening through member 41 by the pressure 0f the well fluid admitted to the inner surface thereof through the vertical port 60a and 1ongitudinal ports 60h in Fig. 4, in the lower member 60' of the liquid intake valve assembly. As soon as this ring is forced down below the passage into which it ts in the closed position of the valve, the pressure becomes equal all around it, thereby avoiding the danger of rupture from great well pressure. The liquid intake valve members 4| and 60 will not cut on the bearing surface because the liquid passes through the opening 41a to the interior of the valve member 4I. This type of valve will not wear the seat appreciably.

An important feature enabling accurate assembling of the device so as to cause ports 41a and 41h of the liquid intake valve to be positioned exactly right, in their working relation with the opening through the valve sleeve plate 41 is apparent in Figs. 5 and 16. It will be noted that the sleeve plate 41 can be screwed up or down to the correct position for this purpose; likewise the very similar member 83 in Figs. 14 and 15. This sleeve can then be locked in the correct position by locking ring 65, packing 66 between` these members being to prevent possible leakage through the threads around them.

The check valve in the housing or nipple 21 is provided below the .liquid intake valve to prevent'possible escape of air or gas from the ow tubing into the lower regions of the' Well during such times as the air or gas pressure is greater than the rock pressure. A cage member 62 threadedly secured within the lead seal carrier nipple 21 is provided to hold the check valve from contacting the lower end of the liquid intake valve, and to keep it near its seat where it will always act quickly. The check valve 6I is held resiliently above its seat 63, likewise secured within the nipple 21, by coil spring 64 supporting a movable member 43 slidable over th upper end of the check valve base 34. This movable member normally contacts the base of the cage 62. The check valve is thus held spaced above its seat to provide for the escape of liquid displaced by the downward movement of the liquid intake valve when that valve opens. The

room between the check valve and its seat mustv be greater, or at least equal to the displacement caused by the opening of the liquid intake valve;

. otherwise the liquid intake valve might become impinged upon liquid trapped between it and the check valve, thereby preventing the liquid intake valve from opening.

A slotted plate 61 for governing the inflow of liquid into the device is shown as pressed in below the check valve seat base in Figs. 5 and 14. Fig. 12 shows a horizontal section through said part, The two slots 61a are provided to govern the'entrance of well liquid instead of employing the usual round choke, because a slot will not so easily bridge or clog with sand.

I have shown a certain embodiment of the invention in the device already described. It is to beunderstood that this inventive idea may be modied in any way coming within the scope of my invention. In Figs. 14 and 15, I have shown two other embodiments.

In Fig. 14 the structure does not differ essentially from that shown in the Fig. 1 embodiment, except in certain points to which attention will be called.

This modified form of the invention employs several parts the same as used in the preceding form, the'same numerals being employed to indicate and refer to parts that are common to both forms. The air or gas intake combination member 12 is slightly different in` construction from the similar part shown in Fig. 5, but the purpose is the same as is apparent. 'Ihe horizontal section shown in-Fig. 6 is identical With the corresponding section through this part. The case nipple I6 is threadedly connected at its upper end to the combination member 12 and is threadedly connected at its lower end to lead seal carrier nipple 21. The air or gas valve 1| is movable with an easy sliding t over the shaft 5|. A deil'ector 13, the upper cupped surface of which deflects the air or gas upward, is threadedly connected to the air or gas valve above it and to the spring housing nipple. 33 below it. Said nipple is closed at its lower end by plug 14 which is threadedly connected to the liquid intake valve member 15 of the liquid intake valve assembly; both valves being thus rigidly connected together they move in unison and function as a unit, the spring and latching assembly being the same, and the lubricating means the same as in the device shown in Figs. 5 and 16.

It is to be noted that the principal difference between the device shown in Fig. 14 and the one shown in Figs. 5 and 16 is that in Fig. 14`the air or gas valve 1| is a male member, whereas in Figs. 5 and 16 this valve is female, and that the liquid intake valve assembly is different from the one shown in Figs. 5 and 16. In operation of the device shown in Fig. 14, air or gas enters through the ports 30h and the passage 12b engaging air or gas valve 1| which moves quickly from the seat 12a to the seat 40a as soon as the air or gas pressure above the valve 1| becomes great enough to overcome the latching hold of the latch balls'35 engaging the under curved surface 31a. of the latching sleeve 31. When air or gas valve 1| is engaged upon seat 40a the liquid inlet port will be controlled as follows: The point of smallest diameter on the valve stem 15 indicated at 15a immediately above the lower enlargement of the liquid intake valve, will be just below the lower end of the opening through the valve sleeve member 83. Well liquid then rises past the valve until the liquid pressure acting upon the exposed lower surface of air or gas valve 1| is great enough to overcome the seating force holding this valve upon the seat 40a. The air or gas valve 1| then quickly takes a position intermediate its two seats 49a and 12a as explained in reference to Fig. 5. In this position air or gas passes through the annular clearance between the air or gas valve 1| and the tubular valve spacer 40 to expel the slug, the liquid intake valve being closed when the valve 1| recedes from its seat 46a in the same manner as was described for a similar action of the device shown in Fig. 5, the cycle of operation being the same in both devices.

A lower extension 15b of the liquid intakeI valve member 15 has snugly fitted over it a valve member 11, which may be of rubber, rawhide, leather, or any other tough, yieldable material, which is resiliently urged in the direction of the circularly beveled shoulder 15e by a metallic cup 18 which has a sliding flt over the extension 15b and rests upon the coil spring 19 which may be adjusted to -proper compression by a nut 89A yvalve member 11 being such as to conform to its seat as the same becomes worn by Athe abrasive action of sand and other cutting substances frequently contained in well liquid.

The check valve assembly and slotted liquid intake governor 61 are the same as was shown in Fig. 5. l

In Fig. 15 the upper combination member 85 is threadedly connected to the lower end of flow tubing 4. The lead seal ring 21a rests upon the valve seat 88a as shown at the lower end of bracketed space a, Fig. 1, and again in Fig. 16 is shown another modification of the invention shown in Fig. 5. In this modification several parts will be found common to one or both of the other forms of the invention, such parts being indicated and referred to by the same numbers.

The combination member has the same sectionthrough the ports 30h as shown in Fig. 6. This part serves the same general purposes as in the previous forms of this invention, the slight difference in construction of this part from that shown in Figs. 5 and 14 being apparent. The case nipple is threadedly connected at its upper end to the connecting member 85 and atA its lower end to the'connecting nipple |08 which is threadedly connected to the check valve housing nipple ||1, to the lower end of which the lead seal carrier nipple 21 is threadedly connected. The air or gas valve 8S and the threadedly connected member 88 have an easy working fit over the shaft 81 which is upset as shown at 81a and has threaded engagement with the connecting member 85 where it is locked in position by lock ring 55.

The entire valve assembly is threadedly con- 7 bushing ||8 held rmly against the shoulder 85a l by a lock ring 26.

A resilient ring-shaped member 90, of the liquid intake valve'assembly', which member may be of rubber, leather, rawhide, or any other durable and resilient material, has a snug fit over an extension 15b of the liquid intake valve member 15 and is closely held between a metallic seal member 89 and the metallic retaining shoe 9|, both of which members have a free working fit over the extension 15b, by a coil spring 19 which urges the seal member 89 toward the beveled shoulder 15c of the member 15 and the seat 83a of the valve sleeve member 83. When the liquid intake valve is closed, the metallic seal member 89 contacts with the seat 83a as shown in Fig. 15, a

and when the liquid intake valve is open the members 89, 90 and 9| are forced downward by the beveled shoulder 15e. The purpose of resilient ring 90 is to provide a leak-proof seal around the extension 15b when the liquid intake valve is closed. The spring 19 is held insufficient compression to cause proper seating of the seal member 89 upon the seat 83a by adjusting the nut 80, which is locked in position by the lock nut 8|.

By way of briefly explaining how the device in each of the three forms herein shown can be adjusted to expel slugs of different lengths by simply varying the air or gas pressure, let it be assumed that the air or gas valves have moved from the first to the second seat and one of them is seated thereon against an assumed resistance of fty pounds per square inch from the spring' 39. Seventy-five pounds per square inch of air or gas pressure will, therefore, hold this air or gas valve upon the second seat by twenty-five pounds per square inch. Twenty-six pounds per square inch of liquid in the flow tubing will then unseat this air or gas valve, and admit seventy-five pounds of air or gas under a twenty-six pound slug to expel it from the W tubing. If the air or gas pressure be increased to one-hundred pounds this valve will be seated by fifty pounds, and fifty-one pounds of liquid will unseat it and admit onehundred pounds of air or gas under a fifty-one pound slug. If the air or gas pressure be instances into the lubrication chamber of the latching device.

'I'he surface connections shown above the line b-b in Fig. 1 are best adapted for a well that has to be supplied with air or gas to flow it from .an external source.

Having described the invention, what is claimed is' .1. In a device of the character described, a pressure tube adapted to extend downwardly into creased to two-hundred pounds a one-hundred-fm Well. 8. 110W tube extended downwardly in Said nity-one pound slug will be expelled, and so on.

Progressively, less difference between the air or gas pressure and the weight of the slug de` velops as the air or gas pressure is increased. Manifestly this difference can be varied one way or the other by correspondingly varying the force required to compress the spring 39. In this connection, it should be observed that the force re quired to compress the spring 39 a given distance governs the distance that the liquid intake valve will move toward its closed position when air or gas of any given value and volume is admitted under a slug oi.' a given weight. A comparatively stiff spring will permit less movement of the valves at such time than a weaker spring under the same compression force.

The length of the spring 39, the force required to compress it a given distance, and the distance it is compressed when it is installed, thus determines the relation between the air or'gas pressure and the weight or resistance of the slug; also the extent of the closing movement of the liquid intake valve when the air or gas pressure is re` leased under the slug.

The latching means employedin theFlg. 15modification of the invention is similar to the same means employed in my Patents Nos. 2,010,135, issued August 6, 1935; 1,968,633, issued July 31, 1934, and 2,006,909, issued July 2, 1935; and application Serial No. 646,389, but different in construction from the latching means employed in Figs. 5, 14 and 16 of this application wherein the latch balls are held to work outwardly against a sleeve, whereas in Fig. 15 the latch balls 35 are held between ball floor |06 and the ball roof |01 to work inwardly against an upper elongated enlargement ||0a of the shaft extension I i0 secured upon the shaft 81, rigidly supported at 81a upon the connecting member 85.

'I'he thrust necessary to make the latch operative is supplied by proper compression of the spring 39 held against the ball floor |06 by the shaft 81, shaft extension H0, and the nut As in the preceding forms of this invention, the chamber within the spring housing nipple l2, within which the entire latching mechanism is housed, is filled with lubricating liquid for lubrication of the moving parts therein.

A spacer tube ||3 is positioned between the defiector 13 and the ball roof |01 for the purpose of providing adequate space for the lubricant above the latch balls. Slots I |3a in the lower end of this spacer tube act to allow for proper circulation of the lubricating liquid during the movements of the latch, sufilcient space for this purpose being also provided in the clearance shown between the inner wall of the spring housing nipple ||2 and the ball roof and the ball floor and nut The coil spring ill, under some compression, contacts with a shoe Ill which transmits the spring thrust to a washer |01 .which washer may be made of felt or other suitable material, to form a barrier against the entrance oi foreign sub' pressure tube, ay uid seal between said -tubes at the upper end of said pressure tube and a fluid seal between said tubes at the lower end of said flow tube, a passage for gaseous fluid into said ow tube above said lower seal, a liquid inlet to said ilow tube below said passage, a stationary gaseous iiuid control valve in said passage. a valve cage movable relative tosaid valve, seats in said cage, a liquid control valve in said liquid inlet, means connecting said liquid inlet valve and said cage and holding both said valves normally closed and operable by pressure of the gaseous lifting fluid to open said liquid inlet valve and retain said gaseous iiuid control valve closed, and then movable in response to an increase ii pressure of the well liquid thereon to open said gaseous fluid control valve and close said liquid inlet control valve. I

2. In a device of the character described, a pressure tube adapted to extend downwardly into a well, a iow tube extended downwardly in said pressure tube, a uid seal between said tubes at the upper end of said pressure tube and a duid seal between said tubes at the lower end of said flow tube, a passage for gaseous fluid into said flow tube above said lower seal, a liquid inlet to said flow tube below said passage. a stationary gaseous fluid control valve in said passage, a valve cage. seats in said cage, a liquid control valve in said liquid inlet, means connecting said liquid inlet valve and said cage and holding both said f valves normally closed and operable by pressure of the gaseous lift fluid to open said liquid inlet valve and retain said gaseous fluid control valve closed, and then movable in' response to an increase in pressure of the well liquid thereon to move said valve cage and open said gaseous fluid control valve and close said liquid inlet control valve, and a releasable latch to hold said means in adjusted position.

3. A pressure tube, a flow tube therein, a liquid inlet upwardly into the lower end of said flow tube, a gaseous fluid inlet from said pressure tube to said flow tube above said liquid inlet, movable upper and lower valve seats in said gaseous duid inlet, means to conduct gaseous duid to said gaseous fluid inlet, valves in each of said inlets, means holding said valves normally closed, said means being responsive to the pressure of gaseous lifting iuid to open said liquid inlet and move said seats in said gaseous fluid inlet to a second closed position relative to said gaseous fluid inlet valve.

4. In a device of the character described, a pressure tube adapted to extend downwardly into a well, a flow tube extended downwardly in said pressure tube and forming a seal therewith near the lower end of said flow tube, a gaseous fluid inlet to said iiow tube including an axially downwardly extending projection, a valve member on said projection, a housing slidable on said valve, seats at the upper and lower ends of said housing, a liquid inlet to said flow. tube, a valve therein connected with said housing, said housing being movable in response to gaseous fluid pressure from the pressure tube to open f valve, said duct having lateral openings therein said liquid valve and move the upper of said seats upon said valve member to maintain said gaseous fluid inlet closed, said housing being movable by pressure of fluid from the well to open said gaseous fluid inlet and close said fluid inlet valve.

5. In a device of the character described, a pressure tube adapted to extend downwardly into a Well, a flow tube extended downwardly in said pressure tube and forming a seal therewith near the lower end of said flow tube, a gaseous fluid inlet to said flow tube including an axially downwardly extending projection, a valve member on said projection, a housing slidable on said valve, seats at the upper and lower ends of said housing, a liquid inlet to said flow tube, a valve therein connected with said housing, a spring normally retainingsaid Valves in closed position, said housing being movable in response to gaseous lift fluid pressure to open said liquid valve and move the upper of said seats upon said valve member to maintain said gaseous fluid inlet closed, said housing being movable by pressure of fluid from the well to open said gaseous fluid inlet and close said liquid inlet valve.

6. In a gaseous fluid lift device, a flow tube, a liquid inletA passage adjacent the lower'end thereof, a valve thereinincluding a hollow stem, a valve head at the lower end thereof, packing on said head fitting said passage, inlets and outlets in said stern above said head and resilient means to move said valve to bring both said inlets and outlets above said inlet passage with said head closing the same, said valve vbeing moved downwardly to open the same by fluid pressure.

7. A method of lifting liquid from wells through an eduction tube having a liquid inlet and a gaseous fluid inlet, including closing bbth said inlets, and employing gaseous fluid pressure to open said liquid inlet to receive a load of liquid to be lifted, employing thepressure of said load of liquid to open said gaseous fluid inlet and close said liquid inlet, raising said load of liquid by said gas pressure, and then again closing both said inlets.

8. A method of lifting liquid from wells through an eduction tube having a liquid inlet and 'a gaseous fluid inlet including closing`both said inlets, employing gaseous fluid pressure to maintain said gaseous fluid inlet closed and to open said liquid inlet to receive a load of liquid in said tube, opening said gaseous uid inlet, closing said liquid inlet, and employing said gaseous fluid to lift and discharge said load.

9. A method of lifting liquid from wells through an eduction tube having a liquid inlet .said liquid inlet, and employingsaid gaseous uid to lift and discharge said load.

10. In combination, an eduction tube for liquid, an air inlet thereto, a liquid inlet includinga valve plate having an axial passage, a

valve stem above said passage, a valve member on said stem adapted to work longitudinally of said passage, and normally closing the same, a

fluid conducting duct longitudinally of saidV and means actuated by a gaseous fluid pressure actuated by a gaseous fluid pressure to movesaid valve to present one of said openings above said plate and the other below the same in the manner described, and packing on said valve below said openings.

12. A pressure tube, a flow tube therein, a liquid inlet adjacent the Ilower end of said flow tube, a gaseous fluid inlet' to said flow tube, means to conduct gaseous fluid under pressure to said pressure tube and to said gaseous fluid inlet, a stationary control valve in said gaseous fluid inlet, movable seats therefor, a valve in said liquid inlet, means connecting said valve seats with said liquid inlet valve and responsive to fluid pressure to control the same, said valves being normally closed, said liquid inlet valve be- `ing opened under a predetermined gaseous lifting fluid pressure, said gaseous fluid valve opening thereafter in response to the well liquid pressure outside said means.

13. A pressure tube, a flow .tube therein, a' yliquid inlet adjacent the lower end of said flow tube, a gaseous fluid inlet to said flow tube, means to conduct gaseous fluid. under pressure to said pressure tube and to said gaseous fluid inlet, valves and-valve seats in said inlets, means connecting said liquid inlet valve and the seat for said gaseous fluid valve and responsive to fluid pressure to control the same, said valves being `normally closed, said means being movable by lifting fluid pressure to open said liquid inlet valve and retain said gaseous fluid valve closed, said gaseousfluid valve being opened and said liquid inlet valve closed in response to an increased pressure of the well liquid outside said means.

14. A pressure'tube, a flowtube therein, a liquid inlet adjacent the lower end of said flow tube,` a gaseous fluid inlet to said flow tube,

means to conduct gaseous fluid under pressure to said pressure tube and to said gaseous fluid inlet, valves in said inlets, said valve in said gaseous fluid inlet being stationary, a seat mem-- ber including upper and lower seats movable relative thereto, means connecting said liquid inlet valve and said seat member and responsive to fluid pressure to control the same, said valves being normally closed, said connecting means being movable by the lifting fluid pressure to open said liquid inlet valve and retain said gaseous fluid valve closed, said gaseous uid valve being opened and said liquid inlet valve closed in response to an increased pressure of the well liquid outside said connecting means, and a spring incorporated in said connecting means to return said valves to closed position when said liquid pressure is relieved.

ALEXANDER BOYNTON. I

an eduction tube for 

